Front of the white synagogue from Cordova street, with palm trees and rosemary bushes on either side of the stairs leading to the front door.

First Congregation Sons of Israel

Name: First Congregation Sons of Israel
Address: 161 Cordova Street, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, US
Telephone: (904) 829-9532

St. Augustine’s oldest synagogue, founded in 1908.

First Congregation Sons of Israel

(904) 829-9532

161 Cordova Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Tours available by appointment

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From Homes to a House of Worship

Before there was a building, there was a congregation. The First Congregation Sons of Israel was founded in 1908 by Eastern European Jewish families who had settled near Cordova Street. Some arrived directly from Europe, while others came from Northern U.S. cities.

Early services were held in members’ homes. At least three families brought Torah scrolls with them — a symbol of their devotion and hope for a lasting religious home in the Ancient City.

Black-and-white photo of members of the First Congregation Sons of Israel in St. Augustine, gathered in front of the synagogue, dressed in early 20th-century attire

Building the Synagogue

In 1923, the congregation began construction on a synagogue along Cordova Street. The first service was held in March 1924.

Originally Orthodox, the synagogue observed traditional practices such as separate seating — men downstairs and women with children in the upstairs balcony. The sanctuary featured wooden pews and a central ark. In the 1920s, a social hall was added, and by 1970, a small school was built on the property.

Over time, the building changed along with the congregation. Theater seats replaced hard benches, the ark was relocated, and a bimah (raised platform) was added. In 1958, stained glass windows from a demolished Atlanta synagogue were installed — a gift from the daughters of the congregation’s first rabbi.

Balcon view of the stained glass windows, Star of David chandelier, and mezzanine seating at First Congregation Sons of Israel

Repairs and Restoration

Hurricanes Matthew (2016) and Irma (2017) damaged the building, prompting major repairs and upgrades. The original floors were preserved, and both the old theater seats and woodwork were restored by local artisans. The original chandelier and ceiling decorations were lost, but in their place now hangs a hand-crafted Star of David — designed by a Flagler College student inspired by historic Eastern European synagogues. A member of the congregation also sourced a vintage European chandelier from elsewhere in Florida. Though the congregation and building have changed over the years the spirit of community, tradition, and resilience remains at the heart of the synagogue. Today, it stands not only as a place of worship, but as a living reminder of the families who built it, the history it holds, and the faith its members have.

A rabbi talking to a crowd during First Congregation Sons of Israel worship service

Visitor Information

Services

7:30 p.m. on the 2nd & 4th Fridays (October–May)
10:00 a.m. Saturday services on select weekends

Looking for Reform services? Visit Temple Bet Yam at 2055 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine.

Seating

Conservative congregation with mixed seating (no longer separated by gender)

Tours & Ceremonies

Available for weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, meetings, and special events.
To schedule a tour or arrange a ceremony, call (904) 829-9532.

Contact Information

Website: First Congregation Sons of Israel
Phone: (904) 829-9532

Interior of First Congregation Sons of Israel

Discover More of St. Augustine

The First Congregation Sons of Israel is a meaningful part of St. Augustine’s spiritual and cultural history. While you're exploring, take time to visit more Historic Sites and other Historic Churches that help tell the full story of America's oldest city.